Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Cathy Palmer was raised in Africa as the child of American missionaries and became an extremely prolific and successful Christian novelist. Five years ago Palmer started the Refugee Sewing Society. Women of all nationalities and faiths meet three days a week in Clarkston and sew, knit and weave a variety of products that are sold in a small store, at festivals and via Etsy. But the RSS is about much more than sewing — many of the women had spent years in refugee camps after being forced from their homelands by war and other atrocities. Even after being welcomed into the U.S., they may feel alone, confused or still scarred and scared by all they’ve been through. Palmer and her volunteers not only give them a place to go and maybe make a little spending money, but also somewhere to get trustworthy answers to questions. Now Palmer has a big idea about selling handmade dolls with gorgeous native clothes, along with a companion YA book she’s written about a little refugee girl coming to the United States. I first met Cathy a few years ago at an art festival. The Refugee Sewing Society piqued my interest and I have wanted to capture what they do ever since. Although I did not get a chance to photograph everything I did get the opportunity to photograph Cathy herself as the face of such an awesome group.
Cathy Palmer was raised in Africa as the child of American missionaries and became an extremely prolific and successful Christian novelist. Five years ago Palmer started the Refugee Sewing Society. Women of all nationalities and faiths meet three days a week in Clarkston and sew, knit and weave a variety of products that are sold in a small store, at festivals and via Etsy.
Cathy Palmer was raised in Africa as the child of American missionaries and became an extremely prolific and successful Christian novelist. Five years ago Palmer started the Refugee Sewing Society. Women of all nationalities and faiths meet three days a week in Clarkston and sew, knit and weave a variety of products that are sold in a small store, at festivals and via Etsy.
Cathy Palmer was raised in Africa as the child of American missionaries and became an extremely prolific and successful Christian novelist. Five years ago Palmer started the Refugee Sewing Society. Women of all nationalities and faiths meet three days a week in Clarkston and sew, knit and weave a variety of products that are sold in a small store, at festivals and via Etsy.